The Staff Lottery Bids Panel recently supported a project to provide outdoor seating in the courtyard of St David’s Hospital.
The garden area is currently accessible by staff and patients; however, it isn’t being fully utilised due to the lack of seating. By providing the additional seats, the outdoor space would become a comforting environment for patients and their carers to frequent. St David’s Hospital staff will also be able to use it to relax and unwind during their breaks, as there isn’t currently a staff haven available on site.
The bid was submitted by Ruth Cann, the Integrated Medicine Senior Nurse based at St David’s Hospital, who said: ‘Comfortable and durable seating in these areas would encourage staff to take their breaks away from the wards in the warmer months. Fresh air and daylight will have a positive impact on their wellbeing as well as creating a safer option for staff breaks with social distancing due to Covid-19 restrictions. Being able to take breaks together will support staff wellbeing and promote team cohesion.’
The furniture has now been installed, and it’s a colourful addition to the courtyard. Zara Jenkins, the Deputy Ward Sister said: ‘They are fabulous and a welcome addition to our garden. Both patients and staff will benefit from them (…) and we hope to get a lot of use out of them in coming months as we head towards spring/summer.
Many staff have already commented how they can’t wait to utilise the space and the furniture for their breaks to enhance their wellbeing.
Many Thanks to the Health Charity for supplying this equipment.’
The Staff Lottery Bids Panel were happy to support the bid as the project promotes the positive impacts of spending time outdoors, and provides staff and patients with additional space to relax in – a change to the busy hospital environment.
Why YOU should support the Staff Lottery!
The Staff Lottery Bids Panel endeavours to work towards all seven wellbeing goals set out by the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act whilst utilising the five ways of working; long term, prevention, integration, collaboration and involvement.
By joining the Staff Lottery, you are actively supporting a wide range of projects funded by the Bids Panel which enhance countless services across the UHB. Through this funding, you are helping the Bids Panel and Health Charity make things better for both our staff and patients, helping us all work together to create a more Prosperous, Healthier and Resilient Wales.
If you would like to join the Staff Lottery, application forms can be completed electronically or via our website; https://healthcharity.wales/hospital-staff/staff-lottery/. Please return completed Staff Lottery forms to fundraising.cav@wales.nhs.uk. If you would like to apply for funding from the Staff Lottery Bids Panel, please contact the above address for details.
Cardiff & Vale Health Charity encourages you to join the Staff Lottery and apply for funding, which can enhance your department or service and inform others of the benefits of joining the Staff Lottery. And who knows, maybe you will be our next winner?